Irish Fish Pie Recipe

This comforting dish combines flaky white fish, creamy mashed potatoes, and a rich white sauce infused with herbs. It’s a classic Irish family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 500g white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock), skinless and boneless


• 200g smoked fish (optional, like smoked haddock)


• 200ml whole milk


• 1 bay leaf


• 1 small onion, sliced


• 1 tbsp butter


• 1 tbsp plain flour


• Salt and pepper to taste


• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley


• 100g frozen peas (optional)

For the topping:

• 600g potatoes, peeled and chopped


• 50g butter


• 50ml milk


• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Poach the Fish Place fish fillets, bay leaf, and onion in a saucepan. Pour in milk and gently simmer for 8–10 minutes until fish is cooked. Remove fish and strain the milk; reserve it for the sauce.


2. Make the Sauce In a separate pan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the reserved milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.


3. Prepare the Filling Flake the cooked fish into bite-sized pieces. Mix with peas (if using) and the white sauce. Spoon into a baking dish.


4. Make the Mash Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and salt until smooth.


5. Assemble and Bake Spread mashed potatoes over the fish mixture. Use a fork to create texture on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Tips

• Add a handful of grated cheddar on top for extra richness.


• You can include prawns or salmon for variety.


• Serve with steamed greens or a simple salad.